Ketotifen

(kee toe TYE fen)

U.S. Brand Names

Alaway™ [OTC]; Zaditor® [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Novo-Ketotifen®; Nu-Ketotifen®; Zaditen®; Zaditor®

Mexican Brand Names

Butifeno; Hyalcrom NF; Kedrop; Ketaxal; Zaditen

Pharmacologic Category

Histamine H1 Antagonist; Mast Cell Stabilizer

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to ketotifen or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat eye inflammation.

How does it work?

• Ketotifen blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the eye's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• For the eye only.

• Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.

• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.

• Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.

• After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.

• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not use this medicine to treat contact lens irritation.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses. Eyes may be irritated.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Nasal congestion.

• Eye irritation.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 13:26:54.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:31.0

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